Bernero to crowd: ‘Education is economic development’

Addressing the crowd, gubernatorial hopeful Virg Bernero said he’s tired of the flavor-of-the-month in education reform. Citing NCLB (No Child Left Behind) and RTTT (Race to the Top), Bernero said he came to talk about LTT – Let Teachers Teach.

“How about we get the politicians out of the way and let teachers teach?” Bernero asked, as many in the crowd started chanting “L-T-T! L-T-T! L-T-T!” A Democrat who is recommended by MEA in the Aug. 3 primary, Bernero pledged to be a strong advocate for educators at the Capitol.

He chided lawmakers who fail to fulfill campaign promises to make education a top priority.

“Thank you for coming from all over Michigan to remind them that public education is the No. 1 priority,” said Bernero, whose wife is a public school principal in Lansing.

Saying “education is economic development,” Bernero also said he would invest in the human infrastructure of Michigan.

“Together, we can take Michigan back,” Bernero said. “Enough is enough!”

Updated: June 17, 2010 10:44 AM